HANDMADE

I love fresh eucalyptus, and it's quite possible to find a bundle in a vase or drying on a wall somewhere around our home often. My children tease me that I'm trying to allure koalas, but truthfully, they're an inexpensive way to add muted…

As a child, Valentine's Day was one of my favorites. At home, our celebration was beautifully simple, typically a special dessert or snack or note in our lunchbox. At school, we had an elaborate celebration with baked goods and sweet drinks.…

These weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas seem to pass too quickly each year. Between the fluster of finishing our school work, giving or making gifts, visiting family, and joining local celebrations with friends, time feels so…

My children have actually made their own Halloween costumes every year. Although this sounds noble and intentional, it actually began more for economic reasons. I just couldn't imagine spending their clothing budget on cheaply made costumes,…

Is anyone else sighing with relief that it's Friday? I am, certainly. Today the kids and I will be spending the day playing/lunching with friends in the country, something all five of us desperately need, followed by an early dinner and…

I can't believe we're already entering our last full week of March next week, but I'm grateful Spring has arrived again. The sun has been warmer and already I'm dreaming of day trips to the beach like last summer. This week, I stumbled across…

I'm not sure why, but Valentine's Day often sneaks up on me. Mark and I usually plan something small for ourselves, but I often forget about the exchange of sentimental goods kids share, too. I used to love it as a child. We'd decorate boxes…

The Gingerbread Man
by Rowena Bennett
The gingerbread man gave a gingery shout:
"Quick open the oven and let me out!"
He stood up straight in his baking pan.
He jumped to the floor and away he ran.
"Catch me," he called,…